Consider the Lilies

Luke 12:27, 28 “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith! 

Over the summer as I have worked my flower and vegetable gardens, I have also watched the flowers of the fields. No one fertilized or watered or cultivated them, but they seemed to thrive. Especially the ones that cause my sinuses to go crazy! They had no one to weed them or protect them from the rabbits, etc. While I spent hours in my two gardens, weeding, watering, etc, I noted they flourished just as my weeds and flowers did. 

God’s compassion and love for the lilies and forest animals is a beautiful picture of how He cares for us. He may not provide all of our wants but He will not allow us to go through times of need alone. He will provide for all of our needs according to His riches in glory.  

He sees all that we endure. He sees all of our joys and sorrows. He sees the hidden hurts as well as the ones we share with others. He sees the relationships that we should avoid. He sees the plans that we should abandon. He sees the true motivation of our hearts when we secretly give to others. He also sees when we do things to be noticed by others. 

Learning to trust in God’s provision has always been a challenge for me. I have seen Him provide things exactly when needed or someone shows up exactly when needed. Rarely ever are things or people provided ahead of time.  
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Corrie Ten Boom told of a story her father told her. Her father said that we receive a ticket to get on the train when the ticket is needed, not before. The Lord handles our needs the same way. I don’t receive the strength I need for a time of trial until the trial comes. He always provides a way through a time of testing or temptation. We just need to take hold of it. Learning to lean on His guidance is just as important as learning to trust in His provision. If you question His love, consider the lilies of the field. ​